Earth moving equipment



F. W. MCLARTY EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT March, i959 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed` March 1s, 1957 JNVENTOR Fran/r W MLarfy BY ATTORNEYS March 3, 1959 F. w. MCLART'Y EARTH MOVINGEQUIPMENT 5 SheetswSheet 2 Filed March 13, 4195'? INVENTOR Fran/r W MfLorfy A TTORNEYS March 3,V 1959 F. W. MCLARTY EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT I5 :Sheets-Sheet S5 Filed March 13, 1957 JNVENToR Fran/r W MFL arfy BY A TTORN E YS .EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT Frank W. McLarty, Dallas,r Tex.

Application March 13, 1957, Serial.No.646,190

16 claims. (c1. 17a- 61)v This invention relates to new andI useful improvementsin `earth moving implements. f One object of the invention is to provide an improved earth moving implement 'which/is so constructed asi to be particularly radapted for'use in building terraces toi control and preventsoil erosion.`

Anotherobject of the invention isto provide-anim proved earth moving implement -having anfearth cutting disc and a co'acting rotor for receiving and throwing the earth cut by the disc, the rotor and discbeing adjustable vrelative kto`each other and to the groundl for varying the action and coaction thereof in accordance withearthv '-tFig.' 5"is -an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional view,showing the mounting of the grader blade,

" view ofthe reversing mechanism.

'Fi'gf 6 is a plan view of the mounted implement, the tractorbeing shown-in broken lines, v

'Fig.v 7 is an'enlarged, detailed view, partly in section, showing the mounting of the rotor supporting means,

Fig. 8 is. an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional view, showing the transmissionmounting,

`Fig.-f9 is a'fragmentary, underside plan view, showing the' pivotal mounting of the plow assembly, and

'Fig.' 10is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional In the drawings, the numeral 10 designates the frame of an earth moving implement which includes a pair of angular, longitudinal bars or frame members 11 having substantially horizontal, parallel 4frontand rear portions i 12 and 13 `connected by inclined intermediate portions and terrain conditions as well as thetype of terrace vde` sired.

A-y particularobject ofthe invention is to provid-e an improved earth moving implement, of the character de scribed, 'wherein the disc and rotor arevmounted: for

14. The front frame portions 12 are offset downwardly relative to the rear frame 'portions' 13 which are fastened together by-a cross lbar -or member 15. yAs shown by the numeral r16, the extremities of the rearframe porJ tions diverge -forsupporting an' arcuate lor semi-circular, horizontal, guide -bar or frame-'member 17 extending transversely ofthe frame 10 with its ends directed forwardly' in substantiallyparallel relation to the bars 11. A rearwardly-directed, Vshaped bracket orl frame member`18, h'aving'longitudinal legs 19, is secured to the ends ofthe -front frame portions by its 'arms being bolted orotherwise rigidly fastened thereto as shown by the numeral 20. The rear frame portions 13 are adapted to be pivotally *attached to the rear ends of a substantially 'adjustment about an upright axis so vas to be readily reversible for directing and throwingv earth laterally in either direction. v Y

An important object of the invention is 'to provide an improved implement, of the character described, where-l inthe rotor includes a revolving member having: a plu'-y rality of radial elements','adjacent the disc for receiving earthy directly from said disc and casting-the earth glaterally"without undue lifting'thereof whereby increasedL earth' moving eciency is obtained.

Still another objectof the invention is'gtoprovide an' improved implement, of the character described, which includes novel means for mounting the rotor whereby the same may undergo substantially universal adjust4 ment relative to the disc. l

A further object of the'. invention is to provide an im'- proved earth moving implement having `a frame adapted to be pivotally mounted on a tractor and carrying a grader'blade at one end for'counterbalancng plow means at the other end of the Iframe ,whereby the blade and plow "means are available for building terraces, the weight of the tractor and the tractionr of its rear wheels lare increased and lifting of the plow means -from er1- gagement with the earth is facilitated.

A .construction designed tocarry outy the invention will -be hereinafter described together withfother features of the invention. 't

The invention will be morereadily understood from a reading of the following speciticationand by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein an examplel of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an earth moving imple ment, constructed in accordance with the invention, I

Fig. 2 is a perspective view` of the frontend of the implement, showing the grader blade raised, Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view ofthe implement mountedon a tractor, s

Fig. 4 is areal'v elevational view of theV mounted implement, the tractor being shown in'broken lines,

Ushaped, rearwardly-directed sub-frame 21 by suitable As shown by the numeral 23, the front end portion ofy thesub-frame is offsety downwardly in parallel relation and is adapted to be rigidly connected lby pairs 'of spaced bolts 24 to the underside of the rear axle housing 25 of a tractor (Figs. 3 land 6). It is noted thaty the subframe 21 extends rearwardly from the axle housing, preferablyl inv a horizontal planey and inwardly'of the yframe 10 and that said frame 10 extends forwardly and-rearwardly of said sublframe and the axlehousing 25. A transmission 26 is pivotally supported `at `its. rear portion by `an angular, transverse bracket or rnember 27 bolted to inwardly-directed lugs 28 'between the rear ends of the sub-frame and has a forwardly-projecting shaft 29 carrying a double-groove is 'manifest' that its forward substantially A-shaped frame 35 formed of pulley 30. A pair of endless belts 31 connect the pulley 3,0 lto a complementary, overlying pulley 32 mounted on the 'power take-off shaft 33 of the tractor. Since the transmission 26`is supported only atv its rear portion, it portion, shaft and pulley are urged downwardly by its weightto tighten and maintain theb'elts 31 in engagement with the pulleys. A plowfassembly 34l is pivotally mounted on the rear end portion of the frame 10 and includes a horizontal,

angular, diverging bars or members 36 having' their outer, rear ends connected by a Atransverse bar or member 37. The -frame extends rearwardly in underlying relation to the frame and its semi-circular guide bar 17 and has its apex pivotally suspended from the medial portion of the cross bar'15 by an upright bolt or pin 38 (Fig. 9) so as to be capable of undergoing substantially horizontal swinging movement't'ransversely of said` frame. Apair of angle plates `or hangers 39 depend from the juncture of the bars 36 and 37' for supporting a horizontal, mounting bar 40 attheir lower ends. Rotatably suspended from the bar 40,' by meansA of a suitable spindle bracket 41, is a plow 42 of the di'sc. type. Theend bar' 37 is angular in crosssec'tionan'd has iA upper flange 'directed forwardly, and

Patented Mar. 3, 1959 accumulation. Due to the radial disposition of the tines 70, -their outer portions are spaced apart a greater distance than their inner portions; and outwardfaswell as downward movement of the earth is facilitated. yAs a result, the tines are substantially self-cleaningeven at relatively slow speeds of rotation. Another advantage of the implement resides in the adjustability of the disc and rotor element in accordance with varying earth conditions and types of earth.y As has been explained, the elevation of both the discl and rotor element .may be changed readily; and said element may` undergo substantially universal adjustment relative to said disc. Since the rotor element may be raised` independently V of the disc, said disc may be employed to cut an initial furrow or furrows prior to the earth throwing or terrace building operation. .v v

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a grader lblade 87 atthe forward ends of the frame members 11 to counterbalance the plow and rotor assemblies. A pair of axially-alined, spaced sleeves 88 are secured toy the upper, rear surface -of the -grader blade by overlying angle bars 89 and extend longitudinally of saidblade for receiving a cylindricalrod or pivot pin .90. Intermediate the sleeves 88, the pivot pin 90 is welded or otherwise secured to the forward side of an upright tubularbearing 91 ,having a rearwardly-extending, semi-circular plate 92 fastened to its upper end and reinforced by a gusset 93 (Figs. Sand 6). A gudgeon bolt 94 projects upwardly through the plate 92 with its circular` head 95 confined `in the bearing 91 for pivotally suspending the blade 87 from a collar 96at the apex of the V-svhapcd bracket 18. The bolt 94 is retained in position by a suitable nut 97 overlying the collar. A substantially arcuate plate 98 is secured within the bracket rearwardly of the collar 96 in overlying relation to the plate92 and has an opening 99'for registering with one of a plurality of openings .100 formed in a concentric arc in the frear, arcuate edge portion of said plate 92. For holding the plate 92 in adjustedv positions relative vto the plate 98 and maintaining .the grader blade in adjusted angular relation to the implement frame, a headed pin 101 is adapted to be received Iby the registering openings 99 and 100. The inclination or tilt of the blade 87 is controlled by set screws 102 carried by an angle bar 103 extending longitudinally of said blade and secured to the lower end of the bearing91. A lever 104 is connected to one of the angle bars 89 for tilting the grader blade upwardly out of operating position and may be engaged beneath the bracket 18 as shown in Fig. 2. t

It is noted that the grader blade is most useful in building terraces. Upon Idownward pivoting of the implement frame about the axis of the bolts 22, the plow and rotor assemblies are lifted and the blade is lowered into engagement with the ground. Although the blade may be employed primarily to smooth terraces by removing high spotsfand. filling low` spots, it isfrequently necessary to move the'earth longitudinally'or lengthwise of a terrace,'and this is best accomplished by a blade. If desired, the earthmay be cut or loosened by vthe disci prior to the grading operation. 'In addition, the blade may be utilized tomove relatively-loose or loosened earthlaterallyto buildlsmall terraces or initiate-larger terraces to be formed by the coaction of the disc and rotor element. YAlso, due Wto, the pivotal mountingof the implement fra1ne,'the blade may be swung upwardly by the linkage 85 to lift the earth during the grading operation in order to deposit said earth4 at the desired location. Due tothe mounting of the blade and plow on opposite ends of the frame, said plow is counterbalanced and is more readily disengaged from the earth. Also, the entire weight of the implement is supported at the rear wheels of the tractor so as to increase the traction thereof. Since thev blade and plow are essential to earth moving or terracing operations, it is most admounting the same'on a common frame, whereby their desired weight is utilized at ally times, and whereby-either v is readilyv available vat any time. You dont have to go 4back across the field or to the implementyard to get they proper implement, when it already is attached to the other end of the frame. i i

The foregoing description of the `invention is explanatory thereof; and various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as inthe details of the illustrated construction, may be made, within the scope of theappended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Be it noted that I have shown a means Ofbuilding a power-driven rotor in conjunction with a slightly concave rolling disk plow -as Athe most desirable embodiment-of my'invention. Be it further noted that- I am the discoverer of a most unusual attribute'of a rolling disc plow in conjunction with such a rotor as an earth moving mechanism, by way of contrast with previous mechanisms that have used rotors in conjunction with conventional earth loosening plows of ythe vcut-and-lift mouldboard variety. Reference. is here made to the fact that a rolling disk plow starts a gradual and increasing acceleration vof all the dirt moved by it to the side from the time that-the edge of the disk rst cuts the soil. VvPrevious rotary terracing machines have failed largely because they failed to` accelerate all the soil gradually, yeven before coming in contact with the rotor, in order to obviate' problems of abrasion etc. Having observed this attribute of the rolling disc plow, in addition to the well known facts that it would loosen even hard soil and turf, required no rolling Coulter in order to handle surface trash, etc., I have demonstrated a means whereby a powerdriven rotor is made to get under and come in contact with all the yearth proceeding from the trailing lower quadrant of the disc in such manner that theacceleration of the soil, trash, rocks, etc. is continued to the side or to the rear by the whirling of the rotor with a minimum of abrasion thereto. v

A kportion of the above recited desirable feature` of a rotor in conjunction with a rolling disc plow may be said to come from the fact that the soil will adhere to the disc slightly as a result of the cup of the disc and of pressure, regardless of moisture content of the soil, so that all the soil will be lifted slightly before flowing out onto the rotor, which can even turn freely below the stream of soil at first. This results in a minimum power requirement for operation of the mechanism `for earth moving.

It is recognizable, however, that, 1f the angle of attack of the face of the disc relative to the direction of its furrow is decreased and the vertical angle also is decreased, a concave disc might be made towoperate without turning, although more power would be required and abrasion of the rotor elements would be increased. Of course, if the disc did not turn, the upper part of the i disc would not be necessary, although it might be the easiest way to manufacture such an earth-loosening and directing plow because of the 4strength imparted by the completion of the cup. Although such construction doesnot `appear practicable for any purpose atpresent, it is suggested merely as a possibility; and it may be noted that a variation of the axis of the rotor might be found desirable. But .in any event the novel feature is the way in which an arc described by rotating teeth or tine's would bisect the space between the uncut earth and an earth loosening, directing, and accelerating means substantially corresponding to the trailing lower quadrant of a rolling concave disc plow.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. An earth moving implement including a frame, an upright rolling disc plow journalled in the frame and positioned to cut and direct earth laterally of the direcblade and plow `is` enhanced by.

tionioytf travel, a rotor element supported by the frame forf'rot'ation about aA generally upright axis, said rotor element comprising a substantially horizontally disposed ditte-like hub having spaced about the periphery thereof afpluralityof radially extending teeth, the outer ends of the vteeth defining a circular path the leading portion of whichfpath lies forwardly of the rearmost peripheral portion `ofthe plow disc and adjacent the lowermost peripheral Aportion thereof, and drive meansv for rotating the rotorelement at a speed substantially greater than the speed" of rotation of the rollingy disc plow whereby the teeth strike',A carry and cast the earth flowing from the lower lrearv quadrant of the rollingdisc laterally to one side 'of the direction of travel.` 2;'An'eart-h kmoving implement as set forth in claim 1 including, rneanspivotally connected to the.A frame for supporting the disc plow for pivotal movement about an upghtaxis As'o the angle of the disc will be reversed commensurate with-changed position relative to the axis. 3.2An earth moving implement as set forth in claim l wherein ythe rotork elementis mounted for substantially universal adjustment relative to the plow discwhereby saidelement and its mcmbers'may be moved laterally, forwardly andrearwardly of said disc and lowered, raised and tilted'relativethereto.` *f 4. An earth moving implement as set forth in claim 3 including, supportingmeans pivotally connected to the frame for vpivotal movement about an upright axis, the

disc -plow beingsuspended from the supporting means.

' 5.k An earth moving'implement as set forth in claim 1 including, anarcuate, substantially horizontal member mounted on the frame for supportingl the plow disc rotor element, said disc being pivotally suspendedv from said frame for movement about an upright axis and' said element havinguniversal.connection with the'drive means whereby said disc and element may be swung from one side to the other and adjusted relative to saidv frame and tol each" other.

6. An earth moving implement as set forth in claim 5 including, means having connection with the rotor element and bearing against the frame memberI for raising and lowering said element and its members relative to the -plow disc'. v 7. An earth `moving implement including, a frame adapted tobe pivotally mounted on a tractor for movement -about a substantially" horizontal axis, means for pivoting and holding theframe in adjusted positions, an upright .rolling disc' plow journalled in the frame and positioned to eut and direct earth laterally of the direction of' travel, a rotor element supported by the frame for rotation about a generally upright axis, said rotor element comprising a substantially horizontally disposed disc-like hub having spaced about the periphery thereof a plurality of radiallyl extending teeth, the outer ends of the teeth depning a circular path the leading portion of which path ,lis'forwardlyof the rearmost peripheral portion of the p lowi'disc and adjacent the lowermost peripheral portion thereof, Vand drive means forv rotating the rotor element at a speedL substantially greater'than the speed of rotation of thelrolling*disc4 wherebyV the teeth strike, carry and cast the earth flowing from the lower rear quadrant of the rolling disc laterally to one side of the direction of travel'. 8. An earth moving implement as set forth in claim 7 wherein the plow disc is pivotally connected to the frame for pivotal' movement about an upright axis, and means said; disc in adjustedv positions.

9. An earth movingimplement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the rotor element has universal connectionY with the'drive means so as tobe movable for. adjustment rrelative to the plow disc, and means for holding said element in4 adjusted positions.

`10. An earth moving implementas set forth in claim 9 wherein theframe includes an arcuate, substantially horizontal member at its rear portion for supporting the plow disc and rotor element in adjusted positions.y

11. Anv earth moving element as set forth in claim 10 including, means 'having connection with the rotor elementand bearing against the frame member for controlling the elevation of Isaid element and its members rela tive to the plow disc. l

12. -An earth moving implement as'set forth vin claim l0 including, rotatable direction reversing means connecting therotor elementand drive means.

13. An Vearth moving implement as set forth in claim 7 including, a grader blade mounted on one end of the frame, the plow disc ,and rotor clement being supported by the opposite end of said frame whereby the blade counterbalances said disc and element.

14. An earth moving implement as set forth in claim 7 wherein the frame extends longitudinally of the-tractor and is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends adjacent thedrive wheels of said tractor, the plow disc and rotor element being supported by one end portion of said frame, and a grader blade carried-.by the other end of said frame so as to counterbalance said disc and element, the weight of the composite vimplement increasing the tractionf of said tractor drive wheels. 15. An earth moving implement including a frame, an upright rolling concave disc plow journaled in the frame and positioned to cut and direct earth laterally of the direction of travel, a rotor element comprising a disc-like hub having' spaced about the periphery thereofa plurality of radially extending teeth,` said hub being mounted on a shaft journaled in the frame adjacent the discrplow,vthe outer ends of the teeth defining circular paths the leading portions of which lie forwardly of the rearmost peripheral portion of the plow disc and adjacent the lowermost peripheral portion thereof, and drive means for rotating the shaft and rotor element at a speed substantially greate1 than the speed of rotation of the rolling disc plow whereby the teeth strike,v carry, and cast the earth flow ing from. the lower rear quadrant of the rolling disc laterally to one side of the direction of travel.

16. An earth moving implement as specified in. claim 15 in which the rolling concave disc plow is journaled in an auxiliary frame, said auxiliary frame being attached to the main frame by means of a kvertical pin or bolt making. possible a reversal of the direction in which the earth loosened by the rolling disc is laterally directed,

and, means for holding the auxiliary frame in the reversed positions.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 22,613 Paulsen Mar. 6, l945 1,750,887 Hall Mar. 18, 1930 2,247,680 Graham July 1', 1941 2,359,711 Eastman 'Oct 3, 1944 2,611,196- Barrett et al. Sept. 23, 1952 2,788,726 Keyes Apr. 16, 1957 

